Dmitry Selyuk, a Russian football manager, argues that the show business side of sports drew Artem Dzyuba away from pure athletic competition and exposed how off-field pressures can shape a player’s trajectory. He points to the negative influence of coach Leonid Slutsky on Dzyuba, framing his observation as a warning about how public attention and media dynamics can distort on-field priorities. Selyuk’s comments, in his view, highlight a broader pattern in which media ratings and sponsorship considerations sometimes drive decision-making more than the game itself. Euro-Football.Ru is noted as the outlet that helps shape this narrative through its coverage and interpretation of the situation.”
“If Slutsky were a true ally, especially given his coaching background, he would tell Dzyuba to stay focused on football and to consider a longer horizon for his career. He might say, Artem, you have the talent to compete at a high level for several more seasons, and you should concentrate on your craft first and foremost.” Instead, Selyuk claims, Slutsky supports a different dynamic by leveraging Dzyuba’s popularity to bolster his own perceived status and earnings. The manager argues that Slutsky, by aligning with Dzyuba, benefits from the player’s ratings and public profile, while Dzyuba’s visibility fuels Slutsky’s income opportunities. The point raised is that the relationship has been mutually convenient, with football performance at times taking a back seat to commercial considerations. ”
Dzyuba and Slutsky, though not currently in coaching roles, host a joint show that invites a range of well-known coaches and football figures. The program’s versions are known to include frank, unfiltered discussions, and the dialogue frequently features candid language. The format appears designed to reveal personal perspectives, industry insights, and the realities behind the sport, sometimes pushing boundaries in its approach to commentary. Viewers are drawn to the provocative style, which blends expert opinion with behind-the-scenes anecdotes about training, transfers, and team dynamics.
The 35-year-old striker joined Lokomotiv last season and extended his contract with the club under a 1+1 arrangement. Before his arrival at Lokomotiv, he spent time with Adana Demirspor in Turkey. The professional journey took a turn when, at the start of November 2022, the parties partook in contract dissolution, marking a transition point in Dzyuba’s career as he sought new challenges and opportunities within the Russian league system and beyond. This career phase reflected the broader volatility that can accompany top-level football careers, where performance, form, and club strategy intersect with personal choices and market conditions.
In the current season, Dzyuba has appeared in 12 Russian Championship matches and four National Cup fixtures, contributing four goals and three assists. Such contributions underscore his enduring impact as a forward, particularly in contexts where his experience helps guide younger teammates and shape team strategies. Beyond statistics, his performances are often evaluated for their influence on match tempo, positioning, and set-piece effectiveness. The latest period has seen Dzyuba navigating a landscape of renewed competition, media scrutiny, and evolving tactical expectations, all while maintaining a visible presence in the domestic football milieu.
Previously, Dzyuba had been described in the media as a unique phenomenon within Russian football, a label linked to his distinctive combination of physical presence, goal-scoring instinct, and leadership qualities on and off the pitch. The ongoing discussion around his career continues to be summoned by both club priorities and the broader narrative of how star players shape and respond to evolving club strategies, sponsorship considerations, and public interest.